High-tech flood alerts lost in translation
Talking drones deployed by New York City officials to warn residents about the onset of heavy rainfall and flooding ahead of Tropical Storm Debby apparently failed their language test.
A video of one of the drones above Staten Island recorded it speaking an indecipherable language, as reported by Gothamist. Officials said it was supposed to be Spanish.
“Heavy rainfall and flooding will take place until Wednesday morning,” a voice from the drone announced. “If you live in a basement or ground-floor apartment, be prepared to leave your location if flooding occurs.”
According to Gothamist, after several seconds a different voice said: “Preparado para evacuar,” but the rest of the message was incomprehensible.
